How can I help my friend cope with the loss of her pet?

The loss of a beloved pet can be devastating. For most of us, our pets are not just animals, they are beings who occupy a special place in our hearts. When our dog or cat dies, something of ourselves is lost.

Pet owners may therefore need to have their grief affirmed. Pet sympathy cars are now widely available, and some veterinary colleges have hotlines where bereaved pet owners can find a sympathetic ear. Most of the hotline volunteers are veterinary students who receive special training in grief counseling.

If you have a child who is dealing with the death of a pet, help them cope by talking to them about their loss. Share some of the precious memories together, and with time, the grief will diminish.

- Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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